Lakers weigh two-year, $20 million bid for free-agent Jonathan Kuminga
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The Los Angeles Lakers are weighing a two-year, $20 million offer for forward Jonathan Kuminga, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported.
Pursuing that deal would force the Lakers to clear additional salary-cap room or arrange a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks, the report said.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater earlier Tuesday described Los Angeles as the most aggressive suitor for Kuminga despite already committing much of its cap space to recent agreements with Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton.
According to Slater, Kuminga held a virtual meeting with Lakers president Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick shortly after free agency began, during which the club outlined a prominent role next to Luka Doncic. Team officials and several players have also contacted the former Golden State Warriors forward to pitch the organization.
Kuminga and his agent, Aaron Turner, have not accepted any proposal, believing a stronger situation could still emerge.
The Lakers are exploring multiple avenues to increase their flexibility, including a potential sign-and-trade with Atlanta and the possibility of moving salaries before their latest free-agent additions become official, Slater reported.
The Cleveland Cavaliers remain in the mix because of Kuminga’s connection with head coach Kenny Atkinson, though their pursuit is tied to the unresolved LeBron James situation. The Sacramento Kings have also revisited the idea of acquiring Kuminga, but would likewise need a sign-and-trade to fit him into their payroll.
Kuminga is among the most prominent free agents still on the market, and no timetable for his decision has been indicated.
Source: Hoops Wire
